Sawtooth Mountain

Time for some fall color posts!  Autumn hues are peaking here and I've been on a photographic frenzy these past two weeks, trying to capture it all.  I have tons of images for posts lined up, and no time to write.

Fall colors started right at the trailhead

But first, catch-up time.  I'm going to take you back to one of my initial autumn color hikes - way back in mid-September.  SW Washington's Indian Heaven Wilderness gets the nod for earliest leaf turnings, and I always try to plan some hikes into this area to capture it's full autumn glory.  But on this day I wanted to try a "new to me" trail that came with some rave reviews - the Sawtooth Mountain Trail.

PCT hiker logbook at the trailhead

I think the main reason I'd never hiked Sawtooth Mountain before was the long drive to the trailhead.  Located on the north side of the Indian Heaven Wilderness, it was a 2+ hour drive over increasingly deteriorating Forest Service roads.  A drive like that called for some company - so I recruited my friend Catherine and her husband Larry to come along for the ride (and hike!)

Catherine and Larry check out the logbook

Even though the drive seemed to take forever, I was instantly redeemed when I stepped out of the car and noticed blazing red huckleberry leaves right by the trailhead.  Oh yeah - this was gonna be good!

Lots of interesting trail names!

Since our trailhead intersected with the Pacific Crest Trail, my friends and I were pleased to discover a hiker's register at the trailhead sign.  Catherine opened the box that held the log book and we enjoyed reading some of the trail names of people that had recently passed by - on their way to either Canada or Mexico.

Our trailhead

Our route for the day began on the Pacific Crest Trail.  We'd take the PCT south for about 1.5 miles, and then branch off to the Sawtooth Trail.  This trail would take us over Sawtooth Mountain for a couple of miles before rejoining the PCT.  Then we'd follow the PCT south for another mile before detouring to Wood Lake.  Our return trip would be entirely on the PCT.

Leftover beargrass and red huckleberry bushes

I didn't get even a couple hundred yards down the trail when my camera came out.  The huckleberry bushes were a spectacular color combination of reds, oranges and yellows.  Add to that dozens of spent beargrass stalks that by themselves were also photogenic.

Fall hues peeping out between the trees

The fall hues just kept coming - peeping out from between nearby trees, covering entire slopes, and lining the trail.  I lagged way behind, firing my shutter constantly.

Bright red and orange leaves

At one point, my friends were afraid we'd never make it to Sawtooth Mountain.

Beargrass stalks and Mt Adams

Here's a few more photos of all beauty.....

Huckleberry bushes were everywhere!

Yeah, every once and awhile I even get in a photo!

Surrounded by technicolor bushes

Finally I had to pull myself away, put the camera back in it's bag, and just hike.  Otherwise, we'd be here all day (and I really wanted to see all of this trail).

Color-lined trail

There were still berries on the huckleberry bushes, and when my friends and I walked through an area where the trail cut through the bushes, we scared tons of birds that had been feasting on the goodies.

Mt Adams at the first viewpoint

Coming upon the side trail over Sawtooth Mountain, we left the PCT and began to climb.  But our efforts were quickly rewarded - soon after arriving at a great overlook with killer views of Mt. Adams.

Mt St Helens from Sawtooth Mtn trail

Moving on, the trail contoured around the side of Sawtooth Mountain, showcasing nice views looking north/northwest, including a glimpse of Mt St Helens' barren summit.

Fall colors glowing in the sun

Huckleberry bushes covered the uphill slopes of Sawtooth Mountain, their red leaves glowing in the sunlight.

Catherine does her best Vanna impression pointing out the tip of Mt Hood

Rounding the south side of Sawtooth Mountain, eagle-eyed Catherine spotted the tip of Mt Hood peeping over an adjacent ridge.  She did her best Vanna impression as I captured the moment.

Picture-perfect viewpoint

Catherine, Larry and I came upon a ridge jutting out over the forest.  Not only boasting spectacular views, the adjacent slope was covered with red huckleberry leaves.

Enormous views

Oh my, what a grand panorama of forest and mountains!  (Thanks to Catherine for being my "view model!")

Red-lined trail

By 1:00 we'd made it all way around Sawtooth Mountain and started back towards it's junction with the PCT.  However, it was well past lunchtime and my companions and I were getting mighty hungry.  We had yet to see a good stopping spot, though.  Finally, I spotted an overlook with great views of Mt Adams and Sawtooth Mountain.  I suggested resting here for a bite.

Sawtooth Mountain and Mt Adams

Although this was a wonderful spot, it was in full sun, and with the day's heat Catherine wanted someplace shady.  No problem - I spotted a bushy area that appeared like one could wiggle underneath.  Catherine and Larry successfully tucked under the shade of those small trees while I lounged nearby.  We oohed and aahed at the views while filling our bellies.

Lunch with a view

It turned out to be a darned nice place for a lunch break!

Fiery red huckleberry bushes add color to the forest

After a nice relaxing break, we all shouldered our backpacks for the final push to Wood Lake.  Bidding the fabulous views and leaf colors goodbye, we hit the trail once again.  It led steeply downhill for another half mile before rejoining the PCT.  

Mt Adams needs more snow!

A quick mile jaunt on the PCT brought us to the junction with a side trail to Wood Lake.  Of course, we all decided to check out the lake.

Trail junction

This path led my friends and I through a brushy meadow, full of huckleberry bushes with ripe berries.  

Heading down to Wood Lake

Catherine and Larry couldn't resist sampling some of the goods!

Time out for huckleberry picking!

Then, we spotted water through the trees.  This must be Wood Lake!  A short, steep path led us to a lovely little body of water, ringed by tall fir trees.  Catherine spotted a downed tree along one shore, and just had to practice her balance skills (which, for the record, are way better than mine!)

Catherine doing her best log balancing act

While Catherine was on the balance beam, Larry was busy catching toads from the shallow end of the lake.  He's a middle school science teacher and is interested in all things of nature.  He successfully captured one toad, which I photographed for him.  The little guy did not look happy at all about being caught!  (In case you wondered, the toad was safely released after my photo session)

The lake formerly known as Wood Lake

After spending a good amount of time exploring this lovely lake, Larry, Catherine and I were packing up to leave when I spotted a sign tacked to a nearby tree.  It said "Wood Lake 1/4 mile."  There was a faint trail leading from the tree farther into the woods.  Apparently the lake we stopped at was not Wood Lake - the real Wood Lake was still 1/4 mile away.  We discussed hiking further to see the "real" Wood Lake, but by then I was feeling the effects of hiking 4.5 miles so far.  With that same distance to cover on our return trip I decided that was more than enough for the day.  

This toad is not happy about being caught!

So on we trekked, taking the PCT for the entire distance on our return trip back to the car.  Passing back through the colorful huckleberry fields, I couldn't resist snapping a few more photos of this amazing display of autumn leaf color.

Return trip through the huckleberry fields

A beautiful day in the woods!  I give Sawtooth Mountain trail two thumbs up for spectacular autumn colors.  It will definitely be added to the annual fall "must hike" list.

We covered 9 miles and 1500 feet of elevation gain.  This would be the farthest distance I'd hiked post surgery, and I later decided it was probably a bit farther than I should be hiking right now.  But I lived to tell the tale - and share my photos.  Enjoy all the colors!

Fabulous Indian Heaven Wilderness

One of my favorite fall hiking destinations is southwest Washington's Indian Heaven Wilderness.  This 20,700 acre forested high plateau has numerous meadows, full of huckleberry bushes, and more than 150 lakes.  Due to the plethora of lakes, it's known as "mosquito heaven" during summer months.  But once September rolls around and the insects die off, this wilderness area turns into a wonderland of brilliant autumn color.

 

Tiny lake reflections

 

Beautiful fall colors aren't the only attractant.  The Indian Heaven Wilderness is also famous for the abundance of huckleberries ripening at summer's end.

Junction Lake surrounded by color

By late September I was yearning for my yearly autumn visit.  A few text messages later, I'd recruited my friend Catherine and her family to join me.

Colorful trail

 

Driving separate vehicles (COVID precautions, you know!) we embarked on the 2-plus hour drive to the East Crater Trailhead.  My all-time favorite Indian Heaven Wilderness hike originates here - via the East Crater Trail, a lollipop loop that circles Junction Lake, wanders past Lemei Lake and Clear Lake, before joining the PCT to complete the loop back at Junction Lake.  It's a route I try to hike nearly every fall season.

Blazing red huckleberry leaves

Joining me on today's trek were Catherine, her husband, and her youngest daughter.  After mostly hiking solo all summer I was thrilled to have the company.  Having other humans to chat with made the first two miles of the East Crater Trail go by in a flash.

Navigating a flooded trail

Before I knew it the huckleberry bush-filled meadows surrounding Junction Lake came into view.  Not only were the meadow grasses a lovely golden hue, the huckleberry bush leaves had turned brilliant shades of red and yellow.  A few (dozen!) photographs may have been taken by yours truly......

Golden meadow

 

Although Junction Lake was lovely, there was lots more to see.  So after tearing myself away from photographing it's colorful shore I hustled to catch up with my friends who were by now halfway up the ridge separating Junction and Lemei Lake.

More waterlogged trail

 

On top of the ridge our trail meandered through many truly spectacular subalpine meadows.  The autumn colors were some of the best I'd ever seen.  Backlit by the sun, huckleberry leaves glistened a fiery red.  Others glowed in bright yellow hues.

Meadow fringed with red

I didn't think September was particularly rainy, especially the first two weeks with all the smoke and wildfires.  However recent rainfall had saturated the meadows here and we encountered several places where the trail was very much underwater.  Most of the time my friends and I were able to rock-hop to avoid wet feet, but one particularly marshy spot I misjudged the water's depth and ended up nearly ankle deep.  (Good thing my hiking boots are waterproof!)

More fab fall colors

 

Soon my friends and I were descending the steep hill to Lemei Lake, our designated lunch spot.

Posing on a rock beside Lemei Lake

 

From past year's hikes, I remembered a couple of nice rocks along the lakeshore that made great sitting spots for lunch breaks.  However not only did the recent rainstorms flood nearby trails, they also swelled Lemei Lake's banks so much so that my favorite boulders were nearly into the lake.  Although we couldn't use the rocks for lunchtime seating they did make for some fun photo ops.

Red alley

 

As Catherine, her husband, and I rested and filled our bellies (their daughter decided to continue on with the understanding we'd catch up to her later) we noticed two horses emerge out of the woods and amble into the nearby meadow.  One of the horses had long ears and looked almost mule-like.  After much discussion whether the horse in question did indeed have mule blood, (and wondering if it would be rude to ask) Catherine's husband walked over, struck up a conversation with the riders, and was able to learn that one of the steeds was indeed part mule.

Droplets on the huckleberry leaves

Lunch break now finished, it was time to explore more of the trail.  My friends and I followed the path as it crossed Lemei Lake's outlet creek and wandered through more fabulous meadows.  At one point I left the trail for a quick "nature break" only to be distracted by the dew-dropped-covered huckleberry leaves.  I got so busy taking photos I nearly forgot the main reason I'd come here.

Looking for pikas on the talus slope

 

At the next trail junction we were reunited with Catherine's daughter who waited to ensure she was going the right direction.  Wandering past Clear Lake, we were passed by a huge group of backpackers, heading home from a weekend trip. (With it's many lakes, Indian Heaven Wilderness is a very popular backpacking destination)

Pride rock pose

 

Then we came upon a large talus slope.  From prior hikes, I remembered hearing and seeing pikas - tiny rabbit-like creatures, in between the rocks.  Catherine, her husband and daughter paused to see if we could find any.  Sure enough Catherine's eagle-eyed daughter spotted a pika perched on an outcropped rock, posing like "pride rock" in the Lion King movie.

Pika super close-up

 

Surprisingly the little creature didn't move.  I quickly switched to my zoom lens and crept closer.  Since pikas are extremely shy, I was expecting it to bolt at any moment.  But the pika remained sitting on the boulder.  I was able to get within 10 feet of the tiny rock-rabbit before he finally noticed my presence.  Once I lowered my camera lens, scared by the motion, he emitted a loud "meep" before bolting into a crevice between the rocks.

For those that are unfamiliar with pikas, I found the above short video online, and it does a great job capturing the personality of these cute little critters, as well as the unusual squeaking sound they make.

Lovely Junction Lake

 

After our one and only wildlife encounter, we continued on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for the final leg back to Junction Lake.  Along the way, Catherine and her daughter found a few edible mushrooms, and we were passed by our new horseback rider (and mule-rider) friends.  We lost the equestrian duo when they were forced to detour around several large downed trees blocking the trail.

Junction Lake was especially scenic

 

Back at Junction Lake I launched into a final photographic frenzy, capturing more vibrant fall shades of the huckleberry leaves.

Back through the fall colors

 

The it was time to retrace our steps back along the East Crater Trail to our waiting vehicles.

Huckleberry picking

 

But not before Catherine filled her bottle with huckleberries!  We came upon a patch full of plump, ripe berries.  And once you get started picking, it's hard to stop.  It took some convincing before Catherine was ready to move on.

Backlit huckleberry leaves look like stained glass

 

As we ambled out of the berry patch, who should pass by but our horse-bound friends once again.  We waved final greetings as they cantered down the trail.

Horseback riders

A beautiful autumn day made even better by the fantastic changing leaf colors.  The Indian Heaven Wilderness is indeed one of the best places to hike in September.